Potential for mining shown in Wyoming phosphate rock

Wyoming hosts numerous occurrences of phosphate rock, a natural resource
crucial to global food security, according to a new report published by the
Wyoming State Geological Survey. Ninety percent of the world's mined
phosphate rock is used in agriculture and food production.
Phosphorus is recognized as an important nutrient necessary for all life,
and the report of investigations "Phosphate Rock in Wyoming," provides a
geological overview of the occurrences in Wyoming
The largest U.S. phosphate reserves and production occur in Florida, North
Carolina, Idaho and Utah. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Florida
and North Carolina accounted for approximately 80 percent of total U.S.
output in 2014, with the remainder coming from Utah and Idaho.
“This investigation demonstrates that there are still notable phosphate
deposits in Wyoming despite production being dormant for more than 35
years,” Carnes says.
Carnes collected more than 20 samples from several known and potential
deposits primarily in western Wyoming.
In Wyoming, the most important phosphate occurrences are hosted in the
marine shales of the Permian Phosphoria Formation.
A compilation of historical data from phosphate deposits across the state
was supplemented with data from samples collected by WSGS geologists.
Scientific technology known as powder X-ray diffraction and whole-rock
geochemical analysis of these samples were used to determine the amount and
type of phosphates present.
*Feature photo: Jason Parker-Burlingham/Pitchengine Communities*
#shortgo #news

Potential for mining shown in Wyoming phosphate rock

Wyoming hosts numerous occurrences of phosphate rock, a natural resource
crucial to global food security, according to a new report published by the
Wyoming State Geological Survey. Ninety percent of the world's mined
phosphate rock is used in agriculture and food production.
Phosphorus is recognized as an important nutrient necessary for all life,
and the report of investigations "Phosphate Rock in Wyoming," provides a
geological overview of the occurrences in Wyoming
The largest U.S. phosphate reserves and production occur in Florida, North
Carolina, Idaho and Utah. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Florida
and North Carolina accounted for approximately 80 percent of total U.S.
output in 2014, with the remainder coming from Utah and Idaho.
“This investigation demonstrates that there are still notable phosphate
deposits in Wyoming despite production being dormant for more than 35
years,” Carnes says.
Carnes collected more than 20 samples from several known and potential
deposits primarily in western Wyoming.
In Wyoming, the most important phosphate occurrences are hosted in the
marine shales of the Permian Phosphoria Formation.
A compilation of historical data from phosphate deposits across the state
was supplemented with data from samples collected by WSGS geologists.
Scientific technology known as powder X-ray diffraction and whole-rock
geochemical analysis of these samples were used to determine the amount and
type of phosphates present.
*Feature photo: Jason Parker-Burlingham/Pitchengine Communities*
#shortgo #news